Grand Theft Auto IV Walkthrough & Strategy Guide

The relationship aspect of Grand Theft Auto IV is perhaps one of the most nebulous areas of this epic game. However, that shouldn't daunt you from building as many relationships as you can, because they happen to provide some of the deeper and more rewarding experiences Grand Theft Auto IV has to offer. In fact, without building up relationships with myriad characters in the game, you're going to miss out on a lot of what the game intends for you to see.

There are two different kinds of primary relationships in the game. The first type of relationship is any that Niko has with various females he encounters. These relationships take on a more light-hearted and pseudo-romantic tone and are completely optional for the most part. There are two females in the game you must date—Mallorie's 'friend' Michelle and the O'Reary boys' sister Kate—but other than that, dating is completely optional. However, there's a lot of fun to be had by partaking in the Liberty City singles scene.

If you want to date girls other than Michelle and Kate, you can do that, but it involves some legwork. You're going to have to go to an internet café and browse the in-game websites LoveMeet and Craplist (which are always on your homepage when you logon). From there, you can try to contact various women and hope that they respond to your advances. The status of various inquiries can be found by checking your e-mail at a later date, where you'll either get a counter-inquiry or a downright rejection. Try to press the various girls on the site for dates, but keep in mind that there are some girls that you can date and others that won't date you no matter how hard you try.

So now that you know how you can potentially score a date with one of Liberty City's beautiful single females, what should you do when you're on a date? How do you prepare for a date, and what are some of the things to keep an eye out for while on a date and perhaps most importantly after the date has concluded? Below are five tips to keep in mind before, during and after any given date to make them sure successes.

01

Dress and Drive to Impress

Not all girls are going to like the same things. In fact, Michelle likes it most when Niko dresses in the low class garb he walked off the boat donning. But for the most part, it's a safe bet that if you dress in at least moderately nice clothing, the girl you're dating isn't going to be disappointed. You don't have to wear a suit and tie 24/7, but try to keep Niko looking fresh and fashionable when in the company of females. And since you're almost certainly going to pick up a date in a stolen car, why not make sure that car is as fancy and well-taken care of as possible? Would it be corny to quote Good Charlotte's 'girls don't like boys, girls like cars and money' here? Well, too late, I just did. But speaking of picking up your chick...

02

Be Punctual

Other than subjecting your date to vehicular homicide or in some other way murdering and dismembering her, few things will ruin the vibe of a good date from the very get-go more than being late to pick up your special lady friend. When a date is made, therefore, you want to be on time. Usually, from the point of cellular contact, you're going to have an in-game hour to get to your date before she gets miffed for standing her up. The date can still go on to a certain point even if you're late, but it's definitely not the way you want to get things started. If you don't think you'll make it even remotely on time, be sure to call her up to cancel the date. She'll likely be pissed, but not as pissed as if you just don't show up at all.

03

Rock Out!

Niko and his date should have a good time from the get-go, so bring your girl to a local eatery or other place of amusement and have an awesome time. Usually, this will involve a burger at Burger Shot, or perhaps some beers and darts at a local Irish pub. There are a lot of possibilities. Regardless of what it is, try to diversify each time you go out with a girl, and be especially mindful to listen to their feedback as you walk around and drive around at all times. This is the best way to get plenty of insight into what a particular girl thinks about certain activities. If she complains, don't bring her there again. If she loves it, you can go back another time, but not the next time. You gotta use your imagination!

04

Seal the Deal?

Perhaps the most difficult part of any date in GTAIV is the end, when you're bringing a girl back to her place (likely swerving all over the road and killing innocent bystanders since, y'know, you're drunk). The game will give you an option to say goodnight or to try and go into the girl's place with her. This is all about personal feel and how much the girl likes you. There are no absolutes, but it should go without saying that trying to get with a girl on after your first or second date is likely to backfire, while she might be confused if you're not asking to come upstairs after, say, your fifth or sixth date. So, try to act like a gentleman at first. Then, when the girl really likes you, going upstairs for some coffee is a given.

05

Post Date Analysis

So, how did your date go? That should be the first question you ask yourself when you and your female friend part ways. If it went well, then you can expect another date, but even girls subjected to really bad dates can be salvaged. There's always hope in GTAIV. Wait a few in-game days at the very least before you call a girl for another date, and be sure to keep an eye on your relationship meters to see how much a girl does or doesn't like you. This is the best gauge to see how well you're doing with any girl. As far as receiving calls from prospective dates, you can answer the calls and let them know that you do or don't want to go out, or you can do what I do in real life—dodge the calls and go to Hobson's Choice with Dave Clayman instead.